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Story Stroll Kits for Checkout
Story Strolls are a fun way to host outdoor programming for your patrons and engage your local community. This family activity combines literacy, exercise, and nature.
Any public library in Georgia may check out one of Georgia Public Library Service’s Story Stroll kits for up to 35 days (plus one renewal if desired) through PINES.
Each kit includes:
- 16-22 signs with H stakes
- two copies of the storybook for programming use
- a one-page piece of paper with tips.
Most stories also include an audio version, which can be accessed via QR code link with tactile sticker on each panel. Borrowing libraries must complete a survey to give us feedback after checking out a kit.
“Saturday” story book with lawn stakes and signs
Available Story Stroll Kits
(Images and descriptions from Amazon.com)
Staff may place a hold on a Story strolls kit through the PINES staff client. Library staff without access to the staff client will need to get assistance from circulation staff to see the records and to place holds on the items.
To prevent patron placed holds, the kits are not visible in the public OPAC but are in the staff client. Please make sure that kits are not checked out to patrons.
Non-PINES libraries: Email Kristin White at kwhite@georgialibraries.org to place your check out request(s).
Additional questions? Please email communications@georgialibraries.org.
I’ll Walk with You, by Carol Lynn Pearson
Beloved author of The Lesson and Will You Still Be My Daughter? Carol Lynn Pearson is known for her heartfelt, sometimes tear-jerking poetry and stories. Her newest title will enchant children with a sweet, tender poem about loving and accepting others, no matter what they look like, where they come from, or what their age and abilities are.
My Papi Has a Motorcycle, by Isabel Quintero
A celebration of the love between a father and daughter, and of a vibrant immigrant neighborhood, by an award-winning author and illustrator duo.
When Daisy Ramona zooms around her neighborhood with her papi on his motorcycle, she sees the people and places she’s always known. She also sees a community that is rapidly changing around her.
Abuela, by Arthur Dorros
Come join Rosalba and her grandmother, her abuela, on a magical journey as they fly over the streets, sights, and people of New York City which sparkles below. The story is narrated in English, and sprinkled with Spanish phrases as Abuela points out places that they explore together. The exhilaration in Rosalba’s and Abuela’s story is magnified by the loving bond that only a grandmother and granddaughter can share.
Read Me a Story, Stella, by Marie Louise Gay
In this book, Stella introduces little brother Sam to the pleasures of reading. Sam is as busy and worried as ever, and Stella almost always has her nose in a book these days, but she finds time to help him out, while sharing her new pastime with contagious enthusiasm.
Wolfie the Bunny, by Ame Dyckman
The Bunny family has adopted a wolf son, and daughter Dot is the only one who realizes Wolfie can–and might–eat them all up! Dot tries to get through to her parents, but they are too smitten to listen. A new brother takes getting used to, and when (in a twist of fate) it’s Wolfie who’s threatened, can Dot save the day?
I Got the Rhythm, by Connie Scholfield-Morrison
On a simple trip to the park, the joy of music overtakes a mother and daughter. The little girl hears a rhythm coming from the world around her- from butterflies, to street performers, to ice cream sellers everything is musical! She sniffs, snaps, and shakes her way into the heart of the beat, finally busting out in an impromptu dance, which all the kids join in on!
I Took a Walk, by Henry Cole
Have you ever sat quietly near a stream, or in a meadow or a wood, and just looked and listened? Well, now is your chance-come walk with Henry Cole in this delightful follow-up to Jack’s Garden. The pages of this book invite young viewers to observe the many forms of wildlife and plants found on land and in the water. You’ll be surprised by how much you see!
Frequently Asked Questions
Where should we place the Story Stroll? Consider reaching out to your parks and recreation department to see if you can place a Story Stroll along a trail in a park, or along a path downtown or leading to your library to draw people to walk there. Please protect the story from precipitation and bring it in during the overnight periods to prevent damage.
How can I learn more about Story Strolls? Check out a webinar here for programming ideas: https://programminglibrarian.org/learn/taking-walk-library-storywalk%C2%AE-walking-book-clubs-and-more
Does GPLS gather feedback about the Story Strolls? Yes! At the end of each stroll, visitors can scan a QR code to go to this link to share their thoughts on the experience and upload any photos: https://georgialibraries.org/stroll/
We also ask libraries to share their feedback about their experience using the kits here.
Where else does GPLS have Story Strolls? We have permanent Story Strolls set up at the Chattahoochee Nature Center and at the Macon Museum Complex. Stories will be rotated seasonally at these locations.
How is this project funded? Story Strolls are made possible by American Rescue Plan Act funding.
Does GPLS have permission to use these titles? GPLS secured permission from each publisher for up to two years for use at public libraries around Georgia. We will renew permissions as needed. Permissions are printed on the second panel of each Story Stroll.
Use Policy
Any public library in Georgia may borrow a Story Stroll Kit.
Procedures
- Libraries can borrow a kit for 35 days with one renewal. Check out begins once you’ve made the request(s) in the PINES staff client or when Kristin White confirms the checkout for a non-PINES library.
- To prevent patron placed holds, the kits are not visible in the public OPAC but are in the staff client. Please make sure that kits are not checked out to patrons.
- Staff may place a hold on a Story strolls kit through the PINES staff client. Library staff without access to the staff client will need to get assistance from circulation staff to see the records and to place holds on the items.
- Non-PINES libraries should email Kristin White at kwhite@georgialibraries.org to place your check out request(s).
- Additional questions? Please email communications@georgialibraries.org.
Responsibilities of the Georgia Public Library Service
- GPLS will provide carrying cases for the loaned kits for safe transport, via the PINES Courier Service.
Responsibilities of the borrowing library
- By placing a hold on a Story Stroll kit, you accept this Use Policy.
- Treat the Kit and its contents with care, and return them neatly and in good condition. Inform GPLS of any damages done to the Story Stroll Kit, its components, or carrying cases.
- Plan programming for staff and/or patrons.
- The borrowing library must complete a mandatory survey for GPLS & IMLS statistics after use.